Quarterback Tim Tebow doesn't believe that there will be any problems between him and Mark Sanchez following his high profile signing by the New York Jets.
Tebow led the Denver Broncos to the playoffs last season with a remarkable late-season run, reversing a 1-4 start and guiding them into the second round of the playoffs, winning despite unspectacular passing statistics.
But despite "Tebowmania", the Broncos obtained star quarterback Peyton Manning after his release from the Indianapolis Colts, making Tebow expendable and opening the door to the Jets to make a trade deal to obtain him.
"They got one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game," Tebow said. "There's no ill will toward the organization. They did what they thought was best. I'm always going to root for those guys. We went through a lot together."
That immediately sparked questions about whether or not the Jets would be pressed to move Tebow into a starting role the first time Sanchez struggled.
"Everybody who puts on a uniform wants to go out there and play," Tebow said. "I'm excited to help this team any way I can. I'm going to go out and improve and be the best quarterback I can be and help improve this team."
Tebow, who has a basic salary of $1.1 million, arrives just two weeks after Sanchez signed a three-year contract extension with the Jets worth $40.5 million.
"From my conversations with him, he was excited to be working with me," Tebow said. "I'm excited to be working with him. He has handled himself with courage and inegrity."
Tebow met Sanchez when the two were at public appearances connected with Super Bowls.
"Me and Mark have a great relationship," Tebow said. "We're going to have a great relationship and a great working relationship. We're going to get along well together. He's a classy person and fun to hang around."
Tebow said he is not worried about the possible quarterback controversy the Jets might face should Sanchez struggle.
"Mark is very secure as a person and a player," Tebow said. "I don't think he's going to let outsiders and what other people say affect how he prepares and plays.
"We will be able to encourage each other and be stronger together than we would be apart."
Tebow sponsors have already put huge billboards featuring Tebow across New York, adding to the questions people have about how Tebow, noted for bowing to thank God after big plays, will fare in the 24-hour lifestyle of the city.
"Hopefully they know I have nothing to do with that. I hope they understand that in the locker room," Tebow said of the billboards.
"I'm just going to have fun with it and not worry about things I can't control. I'm going to be the best role model and football player I can be and set a good example."
That would include playing a position other than quarterback if called upon by Jets coach Rex Ryan, Tebow said.
"However I can help the team, however I can make a difference, however they can use me, I will be open to it," Tebow said. "Wherever they want to put me on the field, I will put my whole heart into it and be the best Jet I can be.
"I think I'm at my best when I'm playing quarterback."
Tebow called his stay in Denver "an amazing time" but said he treasures the chance to play for the Jets.
"I'm so honored and humbled to be a Jet," Tebow said. "I'm so happy they wanted me. I'm looking forward to my future as a Jet and very excited about it. This is where I want to be."
Source: AFP Global Edition
